What is QII and Why Does It Matter in 2026?
The Benefit for Builders:
Passing QII provides a significant “Performance Credit” in your Title 24 energy mode. This often allows you to:
- Reduce the need for higher-cost upgrades in other areas, such as windows or HVAC
- QII is a key strategy for complying with the evolving code, often easing the pressure on your budget and building schedule.
Next, let’s see how timing can impact your project’s success.
The "Pre-Drywall Trap": Timing Your QII Inspection
The most important thing to know about QII is that it cannot be verified after the drywall is installed. QII verification includes inspection of both air sealing and insulation installation before drywall
Phase 1: The Air Sealing Inspection (Pre-Insulation)
Before a single batt of insulation is placed, we must verify the “Air Barrier.” We look for:
- Bottom Plate Sealing: Is the wood-to-concrete connection caulked or foamed?
- Penetrations: We verify that all wires and Plumbing through the top and bottom plates, or any other penetrations exiting the wall assembly, are sealed.
- Draft Stops: Is there solid blocking in place to prevent air from moving between floors?
Phase 2: The Insulation Inspection (Pre-Drywall)
Once the insulation is in, but before it’s covered, we verify the install quality:
- The “Six-Sided” Rule: Is the insulation in full contact with all six sides of the wall cavity?
- No Compression: Is the insulation cut around electrical boxes and plumbing, rather than stuffed behind them?
- Consistency: Is the loose-fill insulation at the correct density in the attic and floors?
Phase 3: The Final Verification (Post-Drywall)
The final step is to finish the drywall and ensure the air barrier is truly airtight. During this phase, we verify:
- Register Boots: Are all HVAC boots properly sealed to the drywall?
- Exhaust Fans: Is the bathroom fan housing sealed tightly to the ceiling?
- Envelope Integrity: Are all remaining penetrations in the ceiling or air barrier sealed to prevent conditioned air from escaping?
3 Common QII Failure Points (And How to Avoid Them)
1. Gaps and Voids in Insulation
Even a 1% gap in your insulation coverage can lead to a loss in thermal efficiency. We often see these gaps around electrical outlets or in the narrow cavities between studs.
The Fix: We train your subcontractors in “friction-fit” techniques to ensure the insulation is snug against the framing, with no daylight showing through.
2. Compression and Tucking
One of the most frequent reasons for a failed QII inspection is compressed batts. When insulation is stuffed behind a 1/2-inch electrical wire or a plumbing pipe, it loses its R-value.
The Fix: Insulation must be “split” or carefully cut to wrap around all penetrations. It should look like it was grown in the wall, not forced into it.
3. Missing the Inspection Window
The most frustrating failure is a logistical one: the drywall goes up before the rater arrives. Because QII is an “invisible” upgrade, it cannot be verified once the walls are closed.
The Fix: Early Coordination. We sync directly with your project manager and insulation crew to hit the job site at the exact right time, keeping your schedule on track without risking a failing Title 24 report.
Frequently Asked Questions About QII
Partner with Grizzly HERS for a Stress-Free Build
At Grizzly HERS Testing, we don’t just “inspect”—we partner with your team to ensure you pass the first time. From training your insulation subs to providing rapid-response inspections in San Diego, we keep your project moving. Contact us today, and we’ll answer all your QII and Title 24 related questions.
Grizzly HERS Testing
Grizzly HERS Testing is a certified HERS Rater and Energy Consultant. We specialize in Title 24 HERS Verifications, Residential HERS Testing, Mechanical Acceptance Testing and Title 24 Energy Calculations.